Annapolis (January 8, 2009)-County Executive John R. Leopold announced today that revenues for the Quiet Waters Park Ice Rink have already exceeded projections with nearly two months left in the season.

Since the rink re-opened on Thanksgiving weekend, it has generated $101,284, surpassing projections for the entire season that ends March 1. That amount is $15,000 more than the entire 2002-2003 season. If the pace continues and the weather cooperates, the total revenue from the rink could reach $150,000. The rink also has welcomed more than 13,000 visitors so far this season, versus 14,000 for the entire 2002-2003 season.

"These numbers show that the demand for this amenity is even greater than we anticipated," County Executive Leopold said. "The Department of Recreation and Parks did a great job preparing the rink and will continue to work to make sure it stays in top operating condition for years to come."

The rink was closed for four years due to maintenance problems and was renovated when County Executive Leopold took office in response to constituent requests. Part of the renovation involved using different cooling pipes to prevent leaking.

The Department will offer a special Valentine’s Day "Buy one, Get one free" admission. Skaters can bring a date, a friend or family member for free, and special Valentine’s Day music will be featured on the new state-of-the-art sound system.